Under Lock and Key, Ant Hamlyn’s Synthetic Flowers Scramble for Space

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Encased in transparent cubes and smushed behind panes of acrylic, Ant Hamlyn’s (previously) brilliant blooms and verdant stems are perpetually preserved. Polyurethane-coated fabrics, which he hand-sews and then stuffs, shape a cartoonish view of our predilection to try to harness and preserve things of beauty.

Often focusing on bright botanicals and fungi, Hamlyn’s playful sculptures crush fabric flowers into cases secured with wing nuts or locked with soft padlocks. Captive blossoms, leaves, and terracotta pots appear just barely contained but with no means of escape.

Two ongoing series, Vases and Toy Garden, examine the relationship between hard and soft, synthetic and organic, and fragility and play. Mashed up against their enclosures, the blooms appear incredibly uncomfortable while also exuding brightness and cheer.

Explore more of the artist’s work on his website and Instagram.

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